Mashed avocado on a slice of toast is a delicious way to start the day, but it can be annoying to buy this fruit cheap in summer only to discover it has spoiled days after being bought.
Avocados have a high fat content which is why the fruit tastes so creamy, but when these fats are cut into and exposed to air it can quickly lead to avocados turning brown before their time.
During the hot summer weather, it is very easy for avocados to rot as they need to be kept moist and hydrated in order to stay fresh.
However, Taesha Butler, a cook and founder of the recipe website The Natural Nurturer has explained that storing avocados with one common kitchen item will stop you from having to throw avocados in the bin.
Taesha said: “Brush the exposed flesh with a little avocado or olive oil. This will create a barrier between the flesh and air, slowing down browning. I find a pastry brush is perfect for the job.”
How does olive oil keep cut avocados fresh?
It may sound strange, but coating a cut avocado in olive oil will keep it fresh for much longer as it will seal the skin, which reduces the amount of oxygen from being able to reach the fruit.
The oil will also help avocados retain more moisture, which will also make them less prone to browning.
Once you have brushed the avocado with olive oil it is best to wrap it in clingfilm and then store it in an air-tight container in the fridge where it will last up to a week longer than usual.
The key to keeping cut avocados fresh is reducing the amount of air the fruit is exposed to, which will help it stay green and tasty for as long as possible.
How do you store whole avocados?
If you have just bought a whole avocado back from the supermarket then it is best to keep it stored on a kitchen countertop until it has fully ripened, then you can store it in the fridge.
Avocados will stay fresh for much longer in the fridge, but they first need to ripen fully in order to develop their flavour.
Storing avocados in cold temperatures will completely halt the ripening process, which can lead to them tasting bitter or having a mushy texture.
The secret to knowing if an avocado is ripe or not is the stem. If the stem is firm and will not move then an avocado is unripe, while if the stem pulls away easily then the avocado is ripe.
Taesha said: “Ripe avocados that are whole and have not been cut open can be stored in the refrigerator. This greatly prolongs their life and they usually stay perfectly ripe in the fridge for about three days.”
